Black Tip Diving is dedicated to environmental protection
and conservation. We would like to take this space to highlight
various aquatic concerns. Please check this page regularly,
as the feature topic will be updated recurrently. If there
are any topics you would like us to address, please
let us know.

At a time when we are putting a large strain on our natural
resources and the price of fuel is rising higher and higher,
there is an alternative; bio diesel. Bio diesel is a clean
burning alternative fuel that is made from renewable resources
such as cooking oil, soaps and candles made with tallow and
even insects. Bio diesel does not contain any petroleum, although,
it can be combined with petroleum at any percentage or used
independently.

Bio diesel helps preserve and protect natural resources.
For every one unit of energy needed to produce bio diesel,
3.24 units of energy are gained. This is the highest energy
balance of any fuel. Because of this high energy balance and
since it is domestically produced, bio diesel use can greatly
contribute to domestic energy security.

The advantages of bio diesel are numerous for our health,
the environment and the machines it is used in. Because bio
diesel has a higher lubricity than petroleum diesel it helps
engines and machine parts to last longer.

Studies have shown there to be a significant decrease in the
amounts of poisonous gases when bio diesel is used. Tests
have shown that the carbon monoxide emissions from bio diesel
are 48% lower than that of regular diesel. This is good news
for divers who spend long surface intervals on the boat and
may be breathing in the exhaust from the engines. Bio diesel
could lessen the threat of monoxide poisoning which is a serious
risk for divers.

Hydrocarbon emissions, which cause localized smog, are also
lessened by approximately 67%. And sulfur emissions, which
are a major component of acid rain, are nearly eliminated.
The U.S. Department of Energy found that bio diesel produces
78.5% less carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.

Bio diesel is non toxic, non explosive and bio degradable.
It can be produced and stored in your home without worry.
You can make it in your own kitchen with ingredients you probably
already have around your house.

Bio diesel is already being used in Europe, America and being
tested for use in places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. In
some places it is being sold publicly. It can be used with
your existing diesel engine with little or no modification.

Here at Black Tip we plan to use a bio diesel mix for use
in our boats and generator. We can collect cooking oil, candles
and soaps and produce our own bio diesel. This is an important
method for Koh Tao, where everything must be shipped from
the mainland. This is another way for us to recycle our wastes
on the island.

For more information about bio diesel or to learn how to
make your own, please contact the Coastal Preservation and
Development (CPAD) Foundation.